Two downtown Chico businesses have announced their closure by the end of the year.

The Winchester Goose, a Chico bar that has been operating for about 12 years, has announced they will be pouring their last beer on December 31st.

Momona, a ramen restaurant that’s been open for a little over 10 years, will also be closing their doors by the year’s end.

These two establishments were both opened as a response to potential gaps in Chico’s market. One for quality cocktails and beer on tap. The other for quality Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine.

Quality is the word used by both of these businesses to describe their mission and values. Due to recent economic rifts, it’s apparent that the the food and beverage industry is a hard road at the moment. Businesses that have built their reputation on quality product and community values are aren’t being given the tools they need to sustain.

Regular customers at both The Winchester Goose and Momona are devastated, wondering where they will go to get their favorite bao bun or enjoy a Tuesday night jazz outing. Workers at both establishments are sad to see the environment they worked so hard to provide taken away.

It’s proven that people aren’t going out to  restaurants as much as they used to, or maybe customers privilege one place they like to eat in town and stick to that restaurant only. Whatever it may be, 44% of restaurants are reporting a decline in sales according to the National Restaurant Association. Without the needed sales, the industry can’t afford necessities like proper staffing and inventory.

It’s a difficult mission on this road to recovery from Covid. The only thing we can do right now is go out and support our local bars and restaurants. If we don’t, the only options for a night out may be a burger from Jack In The Box or a bottle of whiskey from the liquor aisle at Target. Get out, grab a drink, grab some food, and enjoy what we have left of our local communities.